Kansas’ 2026-27 roster is already drawing attention, and the reason is easy to see: Bill Self has a group that looks deeper, more athletic and far more flexible than the one that went 24-11 and made it to the second round of the NCAA Tournament.
That’s the big takeaway from ESPN’s Jeff Borzello, who slotted the Jayhawks at No. 23 in his way-too-early Top 25 and projected a starting five of Leroy Blyden Jr., Taylen Kinney, Tyran Stokes, Keanu Dawes and Christian Reeves.
The headliner is Stokes, the nation’s No. 1 recruit. Kansas is expecting the freshman to be the focal point right away, and his presence gives Self another high-end piece who can influence both offense and defense from the jump.
There’s plenty to watch in the backcourt, too. Borzello paired Toledo transfer Leroy Blyden Jr. with five-star freshman Taylen Kinney, a combination that gives Kansas two players who can both handle the ball. That kind of setup leaves the Jayhawks with options no matter who ends up taking the lead at point guard.
Up front, Utah transfer Keanu Dawes and College of Charleston transfer Christian Reeves are the projected starters. Reeves brings a proven résumé after putting up 11.1 points, 7.8 rebounds and 1.4 blocks last season while earning All-CAA Third Team and CAA All-Defensive Team honors, though his spot is not locked in.
Sophomore center Paul Mbiya is still very much in the mix. He played in 21 games last season and could challenge Reeves all year, especially while Reeves continues working back to full health.
What really separates this team from last year’s version is the bench. Dennis Parker Jr., Kohl Rosario, Trent Perry, Davion Adkins, Luke Barnett and Mbiya give Self a real collection of options behind the starters, which is something Kansas didn’t always have a season ago.
The Jayhawks still have to turn the pieces into a functioning team, but the talent is obvious. If the newcomers come together quickly, Kansas has the kind of roster that could rise well beyond its preseason No. 23 spot.
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